FOR THE GAZETTE

STEVENS POINT — Portage County staff will offer free nitrate-screening events during the Portage County Fair in Rosholt. The events are scheduled for Friday, Sept. 1 from 5 – 8 p.m., Saturday, Sept. 2 and Sunday, Sept. 3 from 10 a.m. until 7 p.m., and Monday, Sept. 4 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Rosholt Fairgrounds. This screening is for any Portage County resident with a private well. 

Most residents living in rural areas rely on private wells to supply their drinking water needs. While public and municipal wells are regulated to ensure that water quality meets current drinking water standards, private well owners must assume the responsibility of testing and treating water to ensure that it is safe to drink.

While most of the wells in Wisconsin produce safe drinking water, about 24 percent of wells in Portage County exceed the safe drinking water standard for nitrate-nitrogen – one of the most common  groundwater pollutants in Portage County and the state. There are a number of potential health risks associated with elevated nitrate-nitrogen levels in drinking water for anyone, but it can be especially dangerous for unborn children and infants younger than six months. While water may look clean and taste good, the only way to know that it is safe to drink is to have it tested. 

This screening is an opportunity for area residents, particularly those who may never have had their water tested, to learn more about nitrate-nitrogen levels in their drinking water through a screening. The screening is a preliminary test that provides an estimate of the nitrate-nitrogen present in the water sample. Staff will be on hand to provide further guidance about the test results and possible next steps.

For private well owners to participate in this free screening opportunity all they need to do is follow the steps below to collect a sample of water from their well and bring it to the Rosholt Fairgrounds (186 W. Forest St., Rosholt) Friday, Sept. 1 through Monday, Sept. 4. Samples can be analyzed on the spot and results will be given directly to the private well owner. Private well owners can also leave their samples in a disposable container labeled with their name and address and results will be mailed to them after the fair. Please note that fair admission is free on Sunday, so there will be no charge to enter.

How to collect your sample:

1. Identify a source of water that is not connected to a treatment device. An outside faucet works best.

2. Locate a clean container with a lid to collect the water sample. Label the outside with your name or address.

3. Allow the water to run 5-10 minutes before collecting your sample.

4. Fill the container with about a half cup of water.

For more information about this free nitrate-nitrogen screening you may contact Jen McNelly, Portage County Water Resources Specialist at 715-346-1334 or [email protected].